Speaker
Prof.
Namiko Mitarai
(Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen)
Description
Ecological systems comprise an astonishing diversity of
species that cooperate or compete with each other forming
complex mutual dependencies. The minimum requirements to
maintain a large species diversity on long time scales are
in general unknown. Using lichen communities as an example,
we propose a model for the evolution of mutually excluding
organisms that compete for space. We suggest that chain-like
or cyclic invasions involving three or more species open for
creation of spatially separated sub-populations that
subsequently can lead to increased diversity. In contrast to
its non-spatial counterpart, our model predicts robust
co-existence of a large number of species, in accordance
with observations on lichen growth. It is demonstrated that
large species diversity can be obtained on evolutionary
timescales, provided that interactions between species have
spatial constraints. In particular, a phase transition to a
sustainable state of high diversity is identified.
Reference:
J. Mathiesen, N. Mitarai, K. Sneppen and A. Trusina
arXiv:1108.2011 , accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett.
Primary author
Prof.
Namiko Mitarai
(Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen)
